according to tibetan buddhism, we have all been reincarnated so many times that everyone has been our mother in some incarnation. even if you don't believe in reincarnation, there is an important lesson in this meditation -- we need to look beyond an individual and accept that we are interconnected and act with loving compassion toward all sentient beings.

mother's day, like every 'holiday,' can be difficult for people whose mother (in the traditional sense the woman who gave birth to you or who raised you) has passed away. the holiday may also be difficult if one's mother is alive but does not meet the expectation of a 'good mother.' I offer hugs and comfort to you if today is a 'hard day.'

a week ago today I spent the day with lettuce, a friend I've known for a while, but just met. while we were wandering about we talked about mothers, motherhood, and mothering. it's only been a year since lettuce's mother died and the grief and pain over the loss of a much beloved and caring mother is still raw and at the surface. when we visited the nmai, we toured the exhibition 'our universe: traditional knowledge shapes our world.' for lettuce and for everyone who has lost their mother, I offer this quote from the exhibit and hope it provides some comfort:

Some of our elders may be gone but their breath remains. We're taking in breath, so if the old people have given their breath up, then their breath remains within our universe to help us. Even in the after life there are duties and responsibilities.

I am doubly blessed my mother is is still alive and my mom is the embodiment of a loving and caring mother. my mother is comfort. unlike the mother in the kate bush song, I expect my mother will never be faced with hiding one of her children, but she does know how and when to stay mum. thank you mom and happy mother's day!

p.s. I just read thomas friedman's touching tribute to his mom. as is the case for my sweet f, this year is the first year that they are not able to call their moms to wish them a happy mother's day. but perhaps both f and tom will find comfort in knowing their mom's breath is still in our universe. okay that's it for today, off to call my mom!

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unless noted otherwise, all photos on the mouse are taken by me, kim yanoshik. you are welcome to use them if credit is given. if you seek to make a profit, you need to first ask permission to use the photo; then you are obliged to share that profit with yours truly, otherwise karma will catch up with you!